#sage pizzazz

[biffybobs]

Party time! 🎂

[ladybugsimblr]

sunset orange 🌆 sage

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Beach Babes 2023 by @samssims

[basketonthedoorstepofthefbi]

Big Hands (Spencer Reid x Fem!PlusSize!Reader)

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem!PlusSize!Reader

Summary: You and your boyfriend, Spencer, are getting ready for a night out, when your insecurities start to get the best of you.

Word Count: 1531 -- it's just a lil guy

Warnings: Body insecurities, maybe a little bit of a big-girl-soapbox

A/N: I definitely wrote this very quickly this afternoon because I literally just felt like it. This is just a short lil one for the big gals who just want someone to notice them.

Anyway hope you enjoy! Thank you all who have commented/reblogged/liked my last fic!!

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Your jeans hugged your curvy hips as you tugged them up to your belly button, covering the bottom, larger part of your stomach. You were tall, for a woman, but not taller than Spencer. He was, what, 6’1”? You stood around 5’9”, so he still towered over you, still had to look down at you when he spoke, still had to crane his neck to whisper in your ear. 

You were wearing a flowy, sage green blouse. Why were clothes so hard to find for a larger girl? It was all cold-shoulders and obnoxious patterns. You just wanted something that flattered your body type and made you feel sexy. Apparently that was just a ridiculous request. This blouse was cute, but modest, with a ruched, fluted bunching of the fabric in the middle. The collar was low-cut to accent your breasts, but the sleeves were long, which was annoying. You were going dancing tonight with your boyfriend and his coworkers. You didn’t want to show off all of your body, by any means, but you wanted to look hot. Who could blame you? And it was also going to get hot, temperature-wise. Long sleeves just didn’t feel like the most pragmatic choice. 

Sometimes you just gave up and went with the best option. And this blouse, that made you feel like you were going to a casual church event, not to a bar, was, unfortunately, the best option. 

You inhaled sharply and shrugged your shoulders as you looked in the full-length mirror hooked on the back of the closet door. Your hair looked really cute - the two biggest pieces on either side in the front were braided and dangled in front of you, effectively bringing your hair out of your eyes but also provided something to give your hair a little pizzazz. Your makeup looked great - a simple, subtle smokey eye and glossy lips. Your black boots looked good, peeking out from your wide-legged jeans, which hugged your hips and, honestly, made your butt look really good. 

It was just this stupid shirt. And maybe you were getting too much in your head about it. But you were transfixed on it, hating the way the sleeves bunched up a little, how the bottom half flowed beneath the ruched fabric, effectively covering your stomach, meeting your jeans and the top of your thighs. The color was too muted for a going-out top - you wished you could wear something more exciting. 

You sometimes wished you looked like Emily or JJ, or had the self-confidence to rock loud looks like Penelope did. But then you remembered that you were who you were for a reason. You looked like you simply because that was what you looked like. And there was no point in wishing you looked like someone else. 

Plus, Spencer was really into your body. He was nearly always staring at your breasts when you were in private, sometimes to the point where you had to snap your fingers in front of his eyes to garner his attention. 

It was flattering. You didn’t mind it if your boyfriend objectified you a little bit. He was respectful about it. 

“Y/N, are you about ready?” Spencer walked into your bedroom as you looked at yourself in the mirror. Your eyes met Spencer’s and you saw his neutral expression turn into a full-fledged grin, biting his tongue and all. “You look really nice,” he said, and you shook your head. 

“I look like a chaperone at a middle school dance,” you frowned, tugging at the fabric of your blouse in some illogical attempt to make it look different. 

“What?” Spencer stood behind you in the mirror. His chin basically met the top of your head, like too puzzle pieces. One hand rested on your hip, while the other slowly brushed your hair to one side so he could press a kiss to your neck. “I think you look great,” he added. 

You immediately felt tingly and your knees wobbled at the action. “But I’m not dressing for you,” you said, your voice instinctively dropping as Spencer’s lips trailed down your neck. You were having trouble concentrating on what you were trying to say. “I’m dressing for me, and I want to look cute. I can’t believe you’re even going tonight. You don’t dance, Spencer,” you pointed out, your self-control somehow beating out your desire for Spencer in the moment. You broke away from him and turned around to face him. 

“You do look cute, Y/N. I don’t understand what the issue is?” Spencer’s head cocked to the side as he looked down at you. “Also, I’m going out tonight because you want to. And I’m trying to keep an open mind. I might enjoy it.” 

You were proud of him. When you started dating about six months ago, he would have simply politely declined an invitation to a night out. And while you didn’t love going out every night, or even every weekend, for that matter, you did enjoy a night out occasionally. 

Regardless, he still didn’t quite understand what you were feeling about that damn shirt. “The issue,” you began, heaving a sigh, “is that I’m insecure about my body. Like any woman. You don’t get it, because you’re a man, and you literally have nothing to be insecure about.”

You knew the words were incorrect the moment you said them, but something kept you from backpedaling. You watched as Spencer shook his head, letting a small laugh escape him. “You could not be further from the truth,” Spencer pointed out, and you knew he was right. Men had plenty to be insecure about, and it was, in some ways, even more difficult for men to express those feelings. 

“Well, I think you’re perfect,” You let a small, playful smile creep onto your face, and Spencer rolled his eyes as you used his own tactic from earlier. He stepped towards you and his hands found your waist, contouring to match your curves. He knew them so well now, he could probably draw a map of your body with his eyes closed. 

“I appreciate that,” Spencer said, his voice a little softer as your eyes met his. His head dipped down, and you thought, certainly, that he was going to kiss you, but instead, his lips stopped just barely by your ears. You could feel his breath on your neck, and a shiver ran down your spine as he spoke. “You might be insecure, Y/N, but I am, too. You’re just human.” 

“What are you insecure about?” You found yourself asking, pulling your head back to look at him properly. Now you were curious. 

“My hands, mostly,” Spencer removed his hands from your waist, holding them palm-up, as if to present them to you for the first time. 

“What’s wrong with your hands?” You asked, placing your palms atop his. 

“They’re really big,” Spencer said timidly, and, admittedly, they were. But just by comparison. Your hands fit into his with plenty of extra space. You used your index fingers to trace his palms. 

“They’re not too big,” you told him, and Spencer just smiled down at you, shaking his head, like he was just humoring you. “I love your hands,” you continued. “I love that you can put your palm over an entire half of my face,” you said, guiding his palm to your cheek and grinning when his skin touched yours. Spencer’s thumb brushed your cheekbone. 

“And I love your body,” Spencer replied, and you just pursed your lips and shook your head. “No, Y/N, listen to me.” 

You let out a frustrated little exhale through your nose and let him continue. 

“I love the way you look. But I wouldn’t care if you were any bigger or any smaller. Because I love you. I’m attracted to you, to your mind, to your sense of compassion, and to your body. I love the way your hips fill out your jeans, how your stomach looks in your yoga pants,” he said. “I love the way you wiggle your toes when we’re watching something funny on TV, how you do a little shimmy in your seat when you’re eating something you really enjoy,” he explained, mimicking the movement. You looped your arms around his neck. “But mostly, I’m in love with your personality. How you challenge me, how you seem to bring out the best version of myself.”

You let out a wistful sigh. If this were a Jane Austen novel, you would have swooned. But instead, you used your grip around his neck to bring his face down to yours and kiss him. It was slow at first, then a little more intense, and when you finally pulled away, your forehead rested against his. 

“You ready to go now?” Spencer asked, and when your eyes opened, you saw that he was smiling down at you. 

You shook your head, a mischievous smile spreading across your face. “Not yet,” you said, your hands sliding down his arms until your palms met his. You tugged him in the direction of your bed. “I want to show you how much I love these big hands.” 

[chickenparm]

Tradition - Part Three

“Sn-Snezhnayan tradition dictates in a traditional battle, the winner is allowed to request one thing from the-” another cough, born from phlegm in his throat that rattles wetly, “from the loser.” (or, You accept a bet and despite not winning, you’re not sure if you’ve actually lost.)

Previous Part | Next Part AO3 Link

Childe/f!Reader 4,386 Words - SFW Bamboozled into marriage, awkwardness, future parts will be NSFW

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Paimon finds out, and is surprisingly calm about the entire affair. You expected screeching, kicking of little feet, tiny fists punching toward Celestia as if that would solve the problem. Instead, you’re met with a sage-like nod that makes the end of her dango skewer move precariously in the air next to your head.

“Paimon figured it was only a matter of time before Loser Harbinger made his move.”

“Huh?”

“Huh?” Paimon pauses just as you do, staring with wide, starry eyes in pure disbelief. You’re certain it matches your own expression, maybe with a little less pizzazz. 

What does she mean, “a matter of time”? Paimon has said some pretty ridiculous and nonsensical things in the past in the pursuit of being right, but this is too much even for her.

“Wait, hold on. You didn’t know?”

Irritation laces tight against your spine, making your skin crawl and your hair stand on end at the insinuation she’s somehow making and not making. “Know what? Spit it out!”

Paimon does the opposite, taking a dango ball in her cheek and speaking around it. How she doesn’t drool, you’ll never know. “That he’s like… way in love with you? That’s why Paimon stopped tagging along with you to see him. Paimon didn’t want to be around when he finally cracked and did something disgusting.”

“Disgusting?”

“Y’know, like kiss you? Or-... Or um…”

Paimon didn’t need to finish. Your stomach clenched at the thought of what Childe could do beyond something as heinous as kissing. If only Paimon knew that you’d truly been the first to toe over the line, crossing into territory that you can never truly come back from. How deep you were willing to go into that territory is up for debate, but you’re certain it would make Paimon attempt to wrap her tiny little hands around your neck and squeeze.

Pointedly, you turned and started walking again, counting the cross beams of the veranda above your head as you rounded closer to Bubu Pharmacy. Paimon followed after you with a gentle chime that signified she’d put a little extra effort in keeping up. Must be all the dango you brought back that’s weighing her down. 

“You know, maybe this is a good thing?”

“Tell me how it’s good, Paimon.” You didn’t need to demand it. Once a thought slips into her head, it’s certain to find its way out with or without your consent. Granting it is just easier in the long run. 

“Well he’s a Harbinger. Fatui. There’s gotta be a way for you to turn this around and make it useful. Y’know… do a little spying? Some incognito work? Wring some information out of him? Trick him into-”

“Yeah, I get it. You realize he tricked me into this, right? Childe’s always been one step ahead in these sorts of things. I’m not sure I’m up to tricking him about anything.”

Just before the midway point of the veranda, you pause to lean on the railing and look down at the bustling harbor below. Liyue is in full swing; carts running back and forth, stalls open and calling out their wares, the scent of Wanmin’s daily special carrying on the breeze all the way to the top of the city. 

In the distance, you can follow the coastline until it curves back on itself and goes out of sight. It’s impossible to see from here, but you distinctly remember the scattering of seashells that dot the shore in spiraling colors of blue and white. It wasn’t so long ago that you were picking along that beach for the first time, and your initial thought had been how they remind you of a certain harbinger that had been so friendly. 

It’s not as if he isn’t friendly now, but before he simply wanted to take you out of the picture by killing you with kindness. An interesting choice for a Fatui, but you’ve understood for some time now that Childe is anything but ordinary in every sense of the word. 

Once, he might have wanted to trick you into leaving. Now, he’s tricked you into staying - right by his side. 

Paimon doesn’t descend often, but this now she does so by planting herself at your elbow and sitting on the wide railing. After a moment, there’s the soft thud of her head hitting your shoulder as she leans on you. “Paimon knows you’ll be okay. This was pretty far fetched, Paimon doesn’t think Childe is going to be able to surprise you with anymore nasty tricks.”

“Well, don’t count him out just yet.” Your words are heavy enough that your shoulders sag and you struggle to avoid letting your chin drop to your chest. All at once, you just feel tired. “Maybe we could just… run. I read in the travel guide that Fontaine sure is nice this time of year.”

“If that’s what you wanna do, then Paimon will be with you every step of the way!” It’s said after a moment of hesitation, as if Paimon doesn’t really have any faith that you’ll ditch this tough responsibility that you’ve shouldered. 

Because it really was a willing acceptance, wasn’t it? Despite the underhanded way he’d gone about it - and his insistence that he’d hunt you down with someone to perform the ceremony on the spot - you’re certain that if you kicked up enough fuss and showed true displeasure, you could get Childe to take it all back, including the ring that’s in your pocket once more. 

“No,” you sigh the single syllable from the very bottom of your lungs where all your exhaustion seems to be bundled, “that won’t work. He’d just figure out where I am and we’d have to go running off again.”

“We could go to Snezhnaya. He’d never think to look there-”

“On the contrary, I’d look there first in hopes that you’ve taken the initiative to meet my family. Well, our family, soon. Isn’t that a nice thought?”

If Paimon couldn’t fly, she’d be goo on the paved stones far below. Her shriek startles you far more than Childe’s sudden appearance, and she falls for a few feet before getting her bearings and shooting back up enough to nearly hit the roofing of the veranda. “Don’t do that! You almost killed Paimon!”

“Wouldn’t want that, now would we?”

It doesn’t sound convincing, even as he says it with a placating smile that’s far too reminiscent of the ones he’d been wearing when you first met. How you’d ever fallen for them, you’re not sure. A traitorous little part of your heart reminds you that you’re still falling for them, in an entirely different way. With silent resolve, you kill that part with all the strength you can muster. 

It isn’t much.

Childe’s elbows land on the veranda railing with a thud that shakes the wood propping you up, his bicep pressing against your own. All it takes is a shuffling of a few inches to put space between yourself and your… fiancé. Paimon is far more interesting to you as she all but buzzes in the air like an angry hornet, nearly spitting with anger as Childe simply laughs at her. 

“Paimon is out of here! Paimon would rather be anywhere but here, the air smells funny!”

And in a dusting of stars and constellations, Paimon zips down toward the city with her arms crossed. If you didn’t know any better, you’d swear there were steam trails from where it escaped her ears. Childe laughs again, now with a little more feeling. Somehow, in your distraction, he’d closed the distance again until he was flush against your arm. 

The breeze shifts for a moment, clearing away the smell of Wanmin and leaving you with the scent of something minty and sweet, mixed with the scent of freshly laundered clothes and salt. It takes all your willpower not to turn your head and take a deeper breath to commit it to memory - the smell of Childe. How odd that it doesn’t turn you away like you thought it might have. With no small amount of exasperation, you wish it would. It might make things easier. 

“Didja get your answers across the pond, sweetness?”

The pet name brings goosebumps to your arms. In a valiant effort, you attempt to convince yourself that they’re of disgust. Like smelling the refuse near the lower warehouses after the end of a long Summer’s day in Liyue. Rotting fish and waste rather than clean and cool and sweet. Refusing to turn and meet his gaze, you instead squint out across the water at the boats that bob in the bay. “A few.”

“...Aaand? You’ve got me on thin ice over here. Don’t be stingy.”

“And what? It’s not like they matter one way or another. It’s happening, just like you want it to.”

That’s not the answer he’s looking for. You know it isn’t, just by how his head lifts to look at the sky, likely in an attempt to ask the Archons for some patience. Rather, one Archon in particular, the only one that matters to him. You wonder if the Tsaritsa knows what he’s done, if she’s in on his little plan behind the scenes. 

The deal had been strictly no Fatui, and while he’d seemed honest in how he’d delivered his blunt confession, you’re not sure you’ll ever be able to shake the suspicion in the back of your mind. There’s something he must be getting out of this if he’s decided to move so quickly and drastically. Perhaps it’s best if you have Zhongli look into Snezhnaya’s laws about spousal immigration…

The silence between you lasts for only as long as it takes you to make your mind up to double-check his motives, only for you to break it again. “What do you want out of this, Childe? And be honest for once, I’m exhausted.”

“If you’re that tired, I can give you another day to-”

“About the situation, not my recent travels.” It comes out far more harsh than you want it to. Childe sucks in a sharp breath, one that feels like freshly broken glass in your ears, and his gloves creak under the grip of his tightening fists. 

“What I want,” Childe starts, matching your tone in its needle-like precision before backing down to something that could nearly be compared to tenderness, “is exactly what I said the first time.”

“Remind me. I’ve had other things on my mind lately.” A lie, considering this is all you’ve been thinking about since you left the Golden House. There’s a bell tolling in the distance, one that states the afternoon hour. If things were normal, you’d just now be entering the gilded hall to face down Childe once more for a fight. 

Maybe you’re fighting him now, in an entirely different way. 

At your request, Childe laughs. Not the false, airy thing that he gives when he’s trying to put someone at ease before stabbing them in the back. Not the derisive one that speaks of bitterness. This one is almost giddy as he all but sings, “If you want me to go moon-eyed for you all over again, there are more direct ways to ask, sweetness.”

It’s not dignified with a response. That suits him just as well - he knows exactly how to get under your skin.

“Childe, my love, my heart, fire of my loins. Speak your feelings to me sweetly in my ear-”

Your head whips to look at him with indignance, and you’re greeted with the sight of a grin cutting him from cheek to cheek, scrunching his nose slightly, crinkling his eyes at the corner. It strikes you to silence as you take it in - this joyous, unfettered show of complete happiness. A quiet part of your heart tucks away the memory for a rainy day.

Right now, he’s impossibly close. All it would take is for you to have turned your head a bit further and you’d be in the same position you’d had to force yourself out of during your last meeting. Only this time, more direct and exactly what he wants. It’s exhausting to do double-takes at every gesture he makes, yet it’s impossible to take it all at face value. 

While the two of you had both been pawns in the Liyue Fiasco, it’s hard to shake off the hostility that begs to be set free. He’d apologized, you remembered it when he’d approached you not too long after the entire event. And in that moment he’d seemed genuinely remorseful, even as you’re looking back with a clearer idea of exactly who Childe is. 

A breath sweeps across your cheek, shifting the tiniest of baby hairs and leaving you with pleasant chills down your spine. It precedes an inhale as his eyes dart back and forth between yours, words on his lips that he’s trying so very hard to piece together. For just a split second, almost faster than you could blink, Childe is unsettled. Unashamedly, you want to see more of that - the man existing beyond the veneer of careful pretenses and smiles that don’t quite reach his eyes.

Finally - finally - Childe picks what he deems acceptable for you to know. “Well, if you’re gonna twist my arm about it… I told you before. I want to marry you,” at the cushion of your cheek, where he’s the closest, you’re certain you can feel the barest brush of his lips against your skin as he speaks, “then take you home to my family and see you bundled up for a Snezhnayan Winter. Afterwards, maybe you pick a somewhere and we honeymoon there and you let me try and woo you with my devilish charm-”

“Do you have a list written out somewhere? That sounds awfully rehearsed.” Once more, with every ounce of willpower you’ve ever possessed and may someday come into ownership of, you shuffle away from his touch to instead lean your elbow on the railing and your cheek on your fist. It pushes one of your eyes closed from the position, but even with a singular eye you can track the way his cheeks turn just the slightest shade of rose pink. 

The facade cracks, if but for a moment before he recovers with what might be a joke - or it could be entirely true. It’s so hard to tell. “I have a whole stack of letters professing my undying love for you. Usually written when I’m laying in bed on my stomach, kicking my feet and nursing whatever bruises you’ve left on me.”

You shudder to think of exactly how many letters that might be. Rather than wring your brain over the thought of Childe doodling hearts around your name, you instead pinpoint on a different string of words. You need this confirmation.

“You love me? You’re not just pulling my leg or something?”

And once more, Childe is speechless. Not in surprise, but rather a careful thoughtfulness that leaves him considering the shift of your hair in the breeze, the line of your slumped shoulders, your steady gaze suddenly putting him beneath a magnifying glass so strong that there’s nothing he can hide now. His visible resignation feels heady like the victories you’ve won over him in the past, even if they may have been orchestrated on his end.

Even cheapened with that knowledge, the memory of him sprawled underneath you with palms flat against the floor and a wild, unhinged expression of glee is one that makes your stomach tense uncomfortably. A sudden twinge of want feels like an impassable road block, distracting you nearly enough that you forget exactly where you are, who you’re with.

With a breath that shakes just enough to catch your attention from unruly thoughts, Childe responds with, “Yeah. I do. A whole lot. Maybe even a crazy amount.”

“Crazy as in size, or crazy as in you’ve been collecting strands of my hair without my notice?”

Childe blinks at you slowly, considering your rebuttal. The hesitation to deny any sort of psychosis doesn’t lend credence to whatever he’s about to say next, but you’re enraptured with the way he seems to plan out his words before hitting you with them. “I think the fact that I skipped a few steps and went right to marriage should probably tell you a whole lot, babe.”

The one syllable of that pet name hits like a punch, and you very-deliberately turn your head away to look back at the harbor, your chin resting in your palm now. It takes a moment for your eyes to adjust to both being open once more, and it keeps you from noticing how he leans into you again. 

It’s different; it’s the solidness of his chest pressing into your shoulder as his hand lays across your lower back. Not far enough down to be scandalous, but any passerby would be unable to mistake the intentions. Against your first instinct, you don’t shake him off. In fact, you can’t help but relish the feeling of his warmth beginning to seep through the layers of your clothes. 

“Do you love me?”

The answer comes easy, even if you know it might be painful - to whom, you aren’t sure. “No, I’m sorry.”

And you expect it to deter him. Regret almost has time to form before you tamp it back down. You anticipate the sudden coldness that will come with him drawing away to put distance between you. Rejection like that doesn’t soothe easily, and you’re certain that if Childe is telling the truth, he must be hurting to the bone. 

A soft huff leaves him, not quite a sigh but close enough that you feel bad for your answer. Even if it’s the truth, it’s not a kind one. But it’s far more merciful than lying to his face. The silence drags, and you’re certain that’s the end of it all and Childe may be rethinking what’s to come. 

But rather than release you, rather than pull back and ask for you to return the ring, Childe instead uses his free hand to dig shamelessly into your pocket that holds the piece of jewelry. With a deftness, he places it on the railing and flips the lid open to reveal its glittering contents. The two of you stare for the longest time, watching as the clouds move over the sun at irregular intervals, throwing light against the ring in a mesmerizing array. 

It truly is beautiful, if only because you’re certain it was made custom. That’s not something that can be done in a day, no matter how much mora can be supplied to the craftsman, and it leaves you wondering exactly how long he’d been holding onto this. When did he decide that this was the course of action he wanted to take?

And why was it this one? Flowers and sweet words and honesty would have suited him just fine - and you’re certain he’d be successful in a way that can only be described as absolute. Because even now, as you’re wary and unsteady, you’re convinced that if he boxed you in against the railing and kissed you, you’d only fight him a little.

All at once, you’re reminded of his presence as he sucks a breath in through his teeth and picks the ring out of the box. It rolls between his thumb and forefinger for a moment, almost as if it’s a physical manifestation of his thoughts roiling in that head of his. Then it stops, and following it is the last request you expected. Or, perhaps the first one you should have known was coming.

“Will you give me a chance to change that? Just one. That’s all I need for most things, you know.”

Your gut tells you to tease him. To call him cocky and point out that now he’s only made it harder for himself. Yet all you can do is swallow harshly around the thickness in your throat that blocks your airways. The woodgrain beneath your fingernails gives only slightly under your grip, and the pinpricks of wood beginning to sprinter brings you back to reality. 

Instead of derision, you give him honesty.

“Just one.”

“Seal it with a kiss?”

“You’re pushing it.”

Again comes that giddy laughter. It lifts from his stomach, shaking his chest against you as he leans closer and holds the ring up with intention. A final confirmation of what’s to come, what you’re willing to lay your heart down for. The moment you take action, you’re certain that Childe is going to put his all into this - just as he does with everything else. 

Without hesitation, you lift your hand and slide your finger through the ring until it’s snug against the base of your finger. A twisting of his wrist has your hand captured in his, and he brings the back of your hand to his lips to press a chaste kiss there. Then four more against your knuckles, and four more beyond that to the tips of your fingers. 

“I won’t let you down. You’re not gonna regret this.”

Maybe you might. It’s possible you won’t. But in the meantime, you smile tightly and try not to mourn the sudden chilliness of your hand as he lets you go. Standing straight and tall, he blows a breath through his teeth in  precursor to the sudden sheepishness that slips into the edges of his voice. “But we’ll have to start tomorrow. I��m already running late for some… meetings. Important meetings. You know-”

“Work stuff. I don’t need to hear about it or-”

“You’ll poke that cute nose of yours in.” Despite that being the honest truth, it doesn’t seem to bring any dejection to Childe’s demeanor at all. In fact, he almost seems ecstatic at the thought of you intruding on his day - one that he’s apparently late for already. 

“Why did you even stop if you had things to do, huh? Get moving!” It’s not an excuse to get time to yourself away from him. It’s not.

“Well, you see, I was walking by on my way to those important meetings, and who would’ve guessed I’d see my fiancee standing here looking absolutely radiant. And I thought to myself, ‘Surely speaking with the love of my life would-’”

“Don’t call me that.”

It spills from you in a sudden burst - one that you’re not entirely sure that you’d stop even if you could. The rest of his diatribe dies on his lips as he blinks at you, first in shock, then in confusion. With your right hand, you idly spin the ring on your left with little attention spared toward the motion. 

Patiently, despite being late, Childe waits for you to explain yourself. You’d thought it would be obvious, but he just… stands there. An explanation is needed, even if it shouldn’t be warranted.

“Just… that’s moving fast, Childe.”

“Faster than being engaged before we’ve properly kissed one another?” The teasing in his tone rings entirely hollow - it’s only there to lighten the mood, but it falls flat as your cheeks warm and you avoid looking at him directly. Unfortunately, he holds a magnetism that has your eyes trailing back to his despite your embarrassment. 

Opening your mouth, you prepare a rebuttal that never arrives. Trying once more and falling flat a second time, you close your mouth once more with a snap of your teeth and focus on the glittering of his earring that swings with the tilt of his head. He’s got you with that one, but the usual lingerings of his victory aren’t present in the air. It’s not a win he seems to be relishing. 

One of his hands lifts, almost as if he’s going to touch your shoulder, but it stops just short and hovers awkwardly before he swings back to his side. Your eyes can’t help but follow the movement, even as he takes a half-step away. 

“Can I see you tomorrow?”

“...Yeah. I’ll be around town.”

“Okay.” It’s painfully awkward now, more than it had been when he first approached after the events that had put this weird crack between the two of you. He’d nearly bent over in half as he clasped his hands and asked for your forgiveness, laying all his cards out on the table in an effort to win back even an iota of your trust. If only he knew how much he’d gained since then, up until his little trick. 

“See you tomorrow, then.”

“Uh… yeah. See you, swee-... Traveler.”

Never before had his relaxed posture seemed so forced. Unable to look away, you watch as he finishes his trek across the wooden lookout veranda, then takes a sharp left toward the stairs that lead to Yuehai Pavilion. Staunchly, he keeps his facade until he’s out of sight, and you feel terribly alone. 

Traveler. It had been so long since he’d used the common name for you that it struck you speechless. Sure, more than enough people had called you such, but hearing him say it rather than the myriad of nicknames, or even just comrade felt deeply wrong. 

And, despite knowing that it was healthy to set some sort of boundary about the rather swift nature of this relationship, you almost feel a sense of regret after staking that line. Would it really be so bad to let him dote on you like that? A long sigh leaves you, from the very bottom of your chest, as you turn back to lean on the railing once more. 

Maybe it wouldn’t hurt you, but you’d just told him you didn’t feel the same. At least, not in the same capacity he seems to be claiming. Just thinking about it makes your gut twist - it’d be like leading him on and then taking too long to reel him in. Leaving him adrift feels cruel. 

Even if your chest grows tight at the memory of the exact pattern of the faint freckles on his cheeks, the half-lidded gaze he’d given you after you’d stopped just short of giving him the true kiss he’d wanted. Even if your heart skips at the memory of him in the Golden House, bruised and battered in his victory, claiming of course, he loves you.

[neato-names]

Color Names

Alizarin

Amaranth

Apple

Auburn

Avadavat

Brick

Burgundy

Cadmium

Cardinal

Carmine

Carnelian

Cherry

Coral

Currant

Ibis

Ladybug

Oxblood

Poppy

Raspberry

Robin

Rose

Rosewood

Ruby

Rust

Sanguine

Scarlet

Spinel

Strawberry

Tourmaline

Upsdell

Venetian

Vermillion

Wine

Zircon

Alloy

Apricot

Autumn

Bronze

Bullfinch

Calcite

Cantaloupe

Cider

Cinnamon

Clinohumite

Copper

Fulvous

Garibaldi

Ginger

Hessonite

Koi

Marmalade

Nutmeg

Oriole/Orioles

Persimmon

Pumpkin

Ranunculus

Salamander

Sandstone

Spice

Squash

Sunstone

Tamarin

Tithonia

Turmeric

Amber

Arylide

Aureolin

Biscotti

Bumblebee

Butter

Buttercup

Buttermilk

Canary

Candle

Candlelight

Chiffon

Colza

Coreopsis

Cornbread

Corydalis

Craspedia

Dandelion

Dijon

Electricity

Flax

Goldenrod

Goldfinch

Gronalo

Honeycomb

Hornet

Icterine

Impatiens

Lemon

Lemonbread

Leopard

Mellow

Monoazo

Nuclear

Oat

Parmesean

Pattypan

Saturn

Shortbread

Siriguela

Sulfur

Sunbeam

Sunflower

Sunglow

Sunlight

Tickseed

Unmellow

Warbler

Xanthic

Yarrow

Yolk

Acid

Aphid

Bitter

Caterpillar

Celadon

Chateau

Chetwode

Chlorophyll

Clover

Emerald

Evergreen

Fern

Frog/Froggy

Grasshopper

Greenmint

Inchworm

Katydid

Laurel

Leaf

Leaves

Lime

Malachite

Mantis

Moss/Mossy

Myrtle

Olive

Parakeet

Pine

Reseda

Sage

Slime/Slimy

Sour

Spring

Swamp

Tea

Thyme

Toxic

Turaco

Verdun

Viridian

Xanadu

Aqua

Aquamarine

Azure

Bleu

Blueberry

Bluebird

Bluejay

Celeste

Cerulean

Cobalt

Dacnis

Delft

Denim

Fairywren

Glaucous

Lapis

Marine

Mazarine

Morpho

Ocean

Peacock

Phthalo

Sapphire

Steel

Teal

Tears

Turquoise

Ultramarine

Uranian

Uranus

Amethyst

Aster

Bosenberry

Byzantium

Charoite

Concord

Coneflower

Cornflower

Eminence

Fuchsia

Heather

Heliotrope

Hibiscus

Hopbush

Indigo

Jacaranda

Lavender

Lepidolite

Lilac

Lilalite

Liserian

Lisianthus

Lupine

Mauve

Milka

Pansy

Pasque

Periwinkle

Phlox

Pizzazz

Purpureus

Razzmic

Regalia

Scabiosa

Tacao

Teasel

Thistle

Tyrian

Ultraviolet

Verbena

Violet

Wisteria

Cerise (pink)

Chartreuse (green-yellow)

Fluorescence (brightly and harshly colored)

Matte (dull color)

Pastel (youthful color)

Psychedelic (bright and intense colors, usually brought on by hallucinogens)

Quartz (white or pink)

Quicksliver (silver)

Rainbow (color spectrum)

Sugilite (yellow, red, pink, or purple)

[thetoaddaddy]

🌺 i hath finished teh trash art of perfect sage Jiraiya

Ok went a little ham on the back designs but i figured kinda like how yakuza have detailed back tats i wanted his back markings to be more detailed and pretty. Perhaps with a few more chakra paths running along his back they’re more concentrated or something idk.

Alt front is inspired by the trend ive been seeing of trans masc scars being covered with tats or markings and i like fucking love the concept all the ones ive seen are so creative i thought id take the opportunity here. As well as make the alt back more curvy and intricate for loads of visual interest as well as the lips as kabuki make up has lip art of some kind.

And new fit cuz we love some dynamics. I love his og design but we take the opportunity to add a lil pizzazz. Slightly more streamlined and detailed. Idk maybe Shima made him something nice for his hard work becoming a perfect froggy sage.

[amorest-viesse]

[We Are The Same, He and I] - Rustica SSR Card Story Translation

Ft. Oz and Akira

A One and Done Show - Chapter 1

[City of Circuses]

Akira: Sorry to keep you waiting, Oz.

Oz: Were you able to buy presents for those at the manor?

Akira: Yes, thanks to your help! But what should we do now…

Rustica: My, my, if it isn’t the Master Sage and Lord Oz. What marvelous timing.

Rustica: I’ve just caught wind that there’s a street performance about to begin. If that catches your fancy, would the two of you like to accompany me?

Akira: A street performance! That sounds interesting; I’d love to come along. Are you coming too, Oz?

Oz: …It matters not to me.

Rustica: Wonderful! Shall we then?

With Rustica in the lead, the three of us made our way to a street corner where several performers were preparing for a show.

Akira: This is a lot like busking…

Rustica: Busking? Is there a similar tradition in your world, Master Sage?

Akira: Yes, it reminds me of home…

Rustica: Ah, in that case, I’m glad I encountered you earlier. Let’s enjoy the show together.

Rustica: These kinds of performances happen to flourish in the City of Circuses, and this one in particular has quite a glowing reputation.

Akira: Really? I’m even more interested now.

As the two of us chattered away, we waited for the performance to begin.

[Time Elapse]

Akira: Isn’t this taking a while? The performers seem anxious too…

Rustica: Perhaps they simply lost track of time unwinding with a cup of tea before the show. Shall we wait a bit longer?

I nodded in agreement and turned my attention towards Oz.

Akira: We’ve seen a lot of performances since coming here, but were there any that you really liked?

Oz: The appeal of these things is beyond my comprehension.

Oz: No matter how strange or wondrous, I can magically recreate any of these tricks with ease. That is all.

Rustica: As one would expect from such a famed and legendary wizard such as yourself, Lord Oz.

Without missing a beat, Rustica cordially agreed. Suddenly—

Street Performer: Famed and legendary…? Could you be…!?

A nearby street performer zeroed in on Oz.

Rustica: Ah, so you have also heard of him. Indeed—this is he who is known as legend, he whom they call the great and powerful.

Street Performer: Oh! We’ve been awaiting your arrival for so long. Come, come, and please, bring your companions as well!

Akira: Huh!? Where are we going!?

Oz: …

Rustica: Oh my, it seems we’ve run into one of Lord Oz’s fans. This must be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him. Shall we consider what he has to say?

Then, without waiting for an answer, Rustica took off after the street performer.

Akira: R- Rustica! Wait for us!

Bewildered by the situation, we had no choice but to chase after him.

A One and Done Show - Chapter 2

Street Performer: Attention everyone! The legend himself has arrived!

Like earlier, the street performers were still engaged with their preparations, but as soon as Oz appeared, the mood shifted immediately.

Various Performers: So you’re the legendary entertainer! 

What an imposing presence…! 

And are these two your assistants?

Akira: The legendary what!? Assistants!?

Akira: (Oh this is bad. From the sound of it, they’re totally mistaking us for someone else…)

Oz: …

Street Performer: Well then, it’s long past show time! There’s a big crowd out there, so go get ‘em!

Rustica: Hm, it appears that they’ve mistaken Lord Oz for someone else.

Akira: Yes, but what should we do now…

Rustica: Well, if you are willing to oblige, Lord Oz… why don’t we play along with it and lend them a hand?

Oz: I refuse. I see no reason in doing such a thing.

Rustica: Ah well, I expected as much. However, I must admit, I would’ve liked to have seen the kind of flair you could add to a performance, the pizzazz.

Oz: You would…?

Rustica: Indeed. The mere thought of it makes my heart stir with delight: Legendary Wizard Performs Miraculous Show! Imagine!

Rustica: Why, it’d be a magnificent show, simply indescribable, an attraction that must be witnessed to be believed.

Rustica: Well, Lord Oz? Won’t you consider it?

Akira: This has nothing to do with the street performers’ request!

Rustica: Of course, that’s certainly something to consider as well—though I won’t press any further should you decide against it. So? How about it?

Oz: …

Rustica: …

Oz: …This shall not happen again.

Akira: (N- no way! He actually gave in!?)

Rustica: You have my gratitude, Lord Oz! In that case, let us make our way to the stage. As your trusty assistant, I shall provide all the help you may require.

Rustica: As for you, Master Sage, might I request you stay here? I’d like it if you could watch over our shining moment from the audience.

Akira: Of, of course.

[Transition]

Rustica: My esteemed guests, we are sorry to have kept you waiting. “Miracles of the Legendary Wizard” is about to begin.

Oz: …

Rustica: <<Amorest Viesse>>

As Rustica cast his spell, a tunnel of flaming hoops roared to life on either ends of the stage.

Rustica: Now, witness as we…

Oz: <<Vox Nox>>

As soon as Oz cast his spell, the pair transformed into two birds, one of pure white feathers and the other of darkest black. Starting on opposite ends of the stage, they shot through the rings of fire.

Those that the black bird passed through would transform into rings of crystal clear ice. Meanwhile, the ones passed by the white bird would blossom into a wreath of vibrant flowers.

Audience: Oooh! How pretty!!

Once the stage was cleared of fire, the remaining rings of ice and flower burst apart, dissipating into nothingness. Black and white feathers swirled through the air, glittering in the sunlight.

[Appluase]

Audience: Whoaaaaa!

[Transition]

Akira: Nice work up there! Both of you were incredible!

Rustica: Why thank you very much. I’m happy that you could enjoy it.

Akira: Did the two of you come up with that routine yourselves?

Oz: It was all Rustica’s doing.

A One and Done Show - Chapter 3

Rustica: The performance was designed as a reflection of our shared emotions.

Akira: Our shared emotions…?

Rustica: Why yes. Within each of us are emotions as fierce as fire, cool as ice, and soft and tender as a bouquet of flowers. 

Rustica: We feel because we are alive. These are experiences shared by all who live, experiences I sought to replicate through the flutter of a bird’s wing, the transfiguration of rings.

Akira: I can see what you mean! It’s incredible how much thought you put into this with such little time.

Suddenly, the sound of rushed footsteps approached us.

???: My deepest apologies for being late!

Rustica: Oh? An audience member?

Street Performer: And you are…?

Quarta: Why, I am none other than Quarta the Renowned, street performer of legend.

Quarta: However, it seems to me that someone else has already taken my place on stage…

Street Performer: Huh? If you’re Quarta, then who was performing just now…

Rustica: Ah, my apologies for the late introduction. I am Rustica, one of the Sage’s Wizards.

Rustica: You seemed to be in a bit of trouble earlier, so I thought I’d lend a hand.

Rustica: Oh, and allow me to introduce our ever trust-worthy Sage… and the strongest wizard in the world himself, the legendary Lord Oz.

Street Performers: The legendary who!? You can’t mean that Oz!? Him!?

Street Performers: You mean to say, that stage presence isn’t because he’s a legendary entertainer but a legendary wizard!?

Oz: …

Rustica: Lord Oz, thank you so much for the unique experience we could all have today.

Completely unaware of the commotion he’d caused, Rustica simply gave us his warmest smile.

Akira: Once again, congratulations on the successful show! You guys were amazing. I had so much fun watching you.

Rustica: Why the pleasure is all mine. It was a truly unforgettable day.

Rustica: Lord Oz, I must thank you for accepting my selfish request. I hope it wasn’t too much of a bother.

Oz: …The time I spent was but a mere fraction of my life. It was neither particularly pleasant nor particularly bothersome.

Oz: However, I suppose it must have been moving for some.

Rustica: I, for one, was delighted to have witnessed a master at work.

Rustica: Though it would make me even happier if you could enjoy it as well.

Rustica: We ought to hold a few rehearsals before we perform for the Magic Manor next.

Oz: For the… Magic Manor?

Akira: That sounds like a great idea! Please let me come again!

Oz: Denied.

Rustica: Ahaha, what a shame. I suppose the two of us will simply have to etch Lord Oz’s special performance into our hearts.

Akira: Yes!

Rustica cheerfully beamed at me in response.

From up above, sunlight poured into the bustling city, bright and gentle as the feelings we carried in our hearts.

Would You Ever Join the Circus? - Card Episode

[Courtyard]

Akira: Good afternoon, Rustica. That’s a fun melody; what song are you playing?

Rustica: Ah, Master Sage. Remember when we went to the City of Circuses? I was recreating a tune from our trip there.

Akira: Ohh, that explains why it sounded so familiar. We heard a lot of different songs during the performances we attended.

Rustica: Yes, and Lord Oz seemed quite fond of this one, so I intend to play it for him later.

Akira: That sounds like a great idea! I hope Oz enjoys it.

Rustica: The other day, I’d also shown him a trick we saw in the City of Circuses that involved juggling three flaming clubs with magic.

Akira: You what!? H- how did he react…?

Rustica: Lord Oz seemed rather perplexed at first…

Rustica: But he watched until the very end. Fufu, I wanted to surprise him, so I kept my practicing a secret. I’m glad the extra effort was well worth it.

Akira: Ahaha, I’m glad too. You should show me the trick sometime.

Rustica: It’d be my pleasure.

Akira: By the way, why are you practicing so hard anyways?

Rustica: Some day, I hope that Lord Oz and I may perform on stage together once again. Thus, I’m preparing for when that time may come.

Rustica: Although, wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone could put on a show?

Akira: Are you talking about the wizards at the manor?

Rustica: Yes. We could call ourselves the Sage’s Circus and go on tour throughout the entire land. Wouldn’t that be fun?

Akira: (I mean… it does sound like fun…)

Home Screen Voice Line

“We Western Wizards respect one another despite our different values and philosophies. However, if there’s one thing we have in common… it’s that we all love and cherish our dear Master Sage.”

[wispstalk]

Got any tips on adding your own pizzazz to stuff from the cookbook? The Stormcloak blend is wonderful, great on potatoes

Oh man I bet it is good on potatoes. I'm imagining some home fries with thick cut bacon and a runny egg....god.

In general I just have accumulated a lot of knowledge on cooking technique and spices over the years, which has become intuitive at this point and therefore hard to summarize, but I can show some of my thinking with a recipe from the book:

Imperial Mushroom Sauce, But Like, Good

I've never followed this recipe bc I make mushroom brown gravy all the time and there are multiple things I do differently.

Add a chopped shallot. Alliums are the backbone of the culinary world, and I like shallots because they give it that restaurant-quality flavor. And do it in a wide shallow pan rather than a saucepan. Mushrooms cook best when left alone and given room. There shouldn't be more than one layer or it'll turn out rubbery and gross, and you wanna let em sit and crisp up for depth of flavor. At most, stir twice over 10 mins.

This recipe seems to have forgotten that it calls for vinegar. I'm reasonably sure the intention was to deglaze your pan. When the mushrooms are done, splash that vinegar in so it bubbles and scrape all those tasty little bits of charred stuff stuck to the bottom. Be conservative with your splashes and let it evaporate before the next step. That'll also add a nice acid note to the flavor, and if the end result tastes too heavy, another splash will help mitigate that.

The recipe has you make a roux without explaining what you're doing and without accounting for the way mushrooms absorb oil. I'd push the mushrooms to the edge of the pan, add 2 more tablespoons of butter to melt in the middle, then add my flour to that. Stir it around for like, 2-3 minutes until it starts to smell fragrant and nutty. Raw flour taste in sauce is very unpleasant so it's critical to let it toast and give it your full attention. It's OK if some of the ingredients get mixed in with the roux.

Then add your liquid (the cream and broth can go in together) in a slow trickle, mixing it with the roux as you pour. Once it goes from "clumpy paste" to "bubbling runny sludge" you can just dump the rest of the liquid in and give it a few minutes of quick stirring until smooth. If it doesn't fully incorporate that's OK, you can keep stirring as it thickens and it will.

Add, like, a tablespoon of the spice mix rather than a teaspoon. Almost always you can add way more spice than a recipe suggests. It's always worth experimenting carefully, but a teaspoon basically amounts to adding a pinch of each individual spice and they won't shine through.

When it starts to thicken up, and is almost ready to serve, I add chopped fresh herbs. Parsley or sage would go well with the floral notes of the spice blend, and add a little herbaceous sharpness to complement the deep umami flavors you're getting from the mushrooms, roux, and broth. And fresh herbs only need a few minutes to incorporate their flavors into the sauce.

For the last step, taste and adjust. Salt may not be necessary at all--even low-sodium packaged broth is pretty salty and it'll be more concentrated as the liquid reduced. But go HAM on the pepper. Unless you hate pepper. But a little subtle bite really takes it to the next level. Red pepper flakes are nice if you like more heat, and those can be added at the end too, just bear in mind the heat will increase the longer it sits.

Basically, the key takeaways are 1) it's worth learning the deceptively simple actions behind fancy-sounding cooking techniques and 2) don't be intimidated by spices. I made this sound so complicated bc I blathered on in detail but after you try my method once you'll find it can be done as an afterthought while you work on the main attractions.

[dizzydennis]

Dizzydennis Twitch Command List

General

!food !guns !garfield !scapelli !goodtogo !bikkuri !sad !sorry !physical !fireworks !didwegetem !butter !splash !jerkyballs !toshi !good !hi !oh !grave !sexymole !koopas !shot !howdoyoufeel !dammit !overlord !knuxhog !cheapskate !quack !mommy !hat !wth !hug !ohayo !youwhat !scream !redorb !fool !knowledge !f22raptor !luffy !garfield2 !pizza !pizzatime !giveup !volcano !marketman !rubbitz !kerfubeeoh !gilbert !seabass !perfect !drink !birthday !phantom !forward !credits !stupid !jump !oscar !minute !died !welcome !enjoyingthis !pizzazz !oyasumi !hustle !puffpuff !scream2 !thought !gremlin !wtf !empirebay !miserable !thereheis !balanced !keikaku !idkhow !broccoli !300bananas !holyshit !bingo !ow !betrayed !doneit !igetit !oink !cry !nomore !thankyou !ronnie !relax !turd !getthroughthis !happy !pottymouth !eat !yes !no !sickened !hey !easy !wth2 !sensible !adopted !house !kiryu !fraud !fanfiction !meatsweats !eachother !homer !help !yabbadabbadoo !friends !pants !waiting !space !kangaroojack !dennis

Sonic the Hedgehog

!robotnik !otp !slipped !manners !power !eggsack !popcorn !sneeze (only if somebody sneezes on stream) !back !friend !focus !tactic !latte !token !digits !meow !outtahere !lurk !quit !whatawoman !tails !butt !hangtight !supreme !werehog !overkill !fun !imhere !myeyes !damn !bigman !charm !thanks !takeitback !moving !reason !nouse !gun !whoa !espio !herewego !hurt !egghead !kidding !naturally !levelup !yeah !victory !pretty !best !allout !rail !late !theend !partysover !proud !ghost !ohno !la !where !job !wrapitup !detours !robotnik2 !habit !daddy2 !wrong !mustache !crab !whatdo !hopes !asleep !topbanana !basic !soexciting !doing !cop !rouge !username !tatut !onpurpose !beans !again !forreal !imback !boobs !gottagofast !ban !scream3 !scream4 !bigplans !awhile !youdo !hype !go !ready !creation !rescue !bacon !humans !broken !ballsaved !snooze !gotthis !myday !disc !cool !windows !stalling G.U.N. !givememen !givemesonic !givemegun !gunbike !guncharlie !gundonefor !gunforgive !gunfriends !gungetaway !gunhold !gunhq !gunmonsters !gunnobody !gunplan !gunposition !gunsonic !gunspareme !gununderestimate !gunyujinaka !arkfall Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) !love !shrink !father !butter2 !babies !thirsty !die !deepref !pizzapower !cowabunga !revenge !wrap !vibe !mollywhop !3D !gangster !yeh !turtles !goodmove !raphael !microchip !lastone !pepperoni !goahead !lesson !radical !whatsgoingon !oldshred !goodnight Godzilla !roar !roar2 !godzilla !godzillasonic !scream2 !givemegodzilla !daddy !splat !zoo !sick !crap !twothings !gojira !minuscolor !dinosaur !courage !language !goose !g2g !godzillano !secret !destroy !fish !godzooky Hello! Project (J-pop)

!typhoon !crazy1 !crazy2 !crazy3 !crazy4 !crazy5 !crazy6 !crazy7 !crazy8 !supercrazy !yesterday !taxi !party !prettygirl !cheese !gu !refrigeeta !banana !typhoontellyou !bikkuri2 !kitty !ohmygod !puke !lame !onceuponatime !ba !what !horse !ass !hello !moved !support !longtimenosee !iloveyou !bagel !necessary !hungry !ohayou !ohayou2 !byebye !support2 !genki !elevator !sugoi !kinasai !spacevenus !alive !counter !sexybeam !choice !test !yuhan !howmuch !positive !iikanji !duck !pen !cheerup !moveon !ten !junjun !bananaplease !yoshi !happybirthday !wakeupcall !handincheese !sunny !helloeveryone !bus !liar !bigsize

-------------------------------------------------- Redeemable Commands !cutiebeam !tv !hates !dino !sage !great !corn !bash !macaroniman !cow !launch !booty !silver !lookout !dragon Dizzydennis Exclusive Commands

!start !end !bye !solaris !poll !yliml !music1 !music2 !freeze !kitten !bomb1 !bomb2

[biffybobs]

Splash park fun with the cousins 🐳

[magicofsimplestories]

Supernatural 2.0: #29 Clues

[Back to Foreword and #1 Meet Kira or #28 Bunker Life]

Elle appeared on the doorstep of the Bunker the very next morning. A pile of big old books in red leather coats was floating behind her. She gave a big hug to Kira and looked around excitedly. 

“I almost forgot how this Bunker looks like,” she said with a wide smile. Turning to the Winchesters she held out her hand to Sam.

“Elle Faba, the Sage of Mischief.”

Sam took her hand in his and pressed it to his lips in a gentleman gesture, making the witch smile flirtily.

“My pleasure, Elle. Sam Winchester,” he introduced himself. “And this is my brother Dean.”

Dean was about to step forward and greet Elle, but she spoke first.

“Pleasure is mine. I’ve heard a lot about you two, especially you, Dean,” she said with a meaningful expression. 

Dean froze and frowned.

“Have you?”

The witch preferred to ignore his dry comment and waived at the books. They flew directly to the big entry room table and landed next to Sam’s laptop. 

“As promised,” commented Elle, “I brought you a couple of manuscripts on Hell and Heaven spells that might be useful in hunting Eve down. I managed to sneak them from the Academy library right under Morgyn’s nose,” she added proudly with a bright mischievous smile. 

Dean strained and frowned deeper hearing Morgyn’s name.

“You said you’ve been here before,” said Sam in the meantime, helping Elle at the table. 

“Of course I have, sweetheart,” responded the witch. “In the old days the Sages and the Men of Letters worked together quite often. I’m happy to see that the Bunker got another chance to serve the world with you moving into it.”

They divided the Academy manuscripts among the four of them and a couple of hours later they found what they’ve been looking so desperately for. 

Putting Eve back to Hell wasn’t easy. Firstly, one had to brew a potion in a special cup - the Cup of the Dead, then somehow make Eve drink this potion, and after that cast three high-level spells (a Mischief, an Untamed and a Practical) upon the Mother of Supernatural. 

“Well, the ingredients of the potion are not too rare,” concluded Kira looking through the recipe. “I have Mandrake and Angelfish in my potion set. A Hematite can be found in the woods of Glimmerbrook. The most troublesome is the Moonpetal Flower - for this one we will need to travel to Moonwood Mill at full moon.”

“The most troublesome, huh?” commented Dean. “So finding the Cup of the Dead (lost centuries ago, according to this book), making Eve drink the potion and casting three difficult spell is not so troublesome in your mind?”

“Well, I prefer to deal with one problem at a time,” responded Kira pointedly. 

“And it’s a good strategy,” inserted Elle reducing the degree of tension in between the two. “I will bring a Hematite from Glimmerbrook. You focus on the Cup. I need to leave you now, as I’m about to have a class with my first years. Don’t wanna explain to Morgyn why I am late.”

The Winchesters and Kira spent the rest of the afternoon digging through the Men of Letters archives hoping to find any reference to the Cup. Their research was successful again, so through a tiny 1700s report on hunting hybrids and a thorough Internet surf they managed to track the Cup to a private artefacts collection in Willow Creek. 

“Oh my God, it’s Penny Pizzazz,” breathed out Kira looking at the picture of the collection owner at Dean’s screen. 

“Do you know her?!” asked the brothers simultaneously. 

“She’s like ten thousand stars celebrity,” added Dean glaring at Kira in shock. 

“Of course, I know her,” smirked Kira. “She was the one to invest into the recording of our album. We met at a party in San Myshuno, she was covering a music festival that we took part in. We get along nicely. I even received an invitation to her private Birthday party… Wait a second,” Kira took out her phone and scrolled a couple of emails. “Her party is actually tomorrow. And I have a plus one invitation. We could…”

“No, Kira, it’s out of discussion,” interrupted her Dean dryly. “You are not attending this party. It’s too dangerous. The party might be private, but it’s not a guarantee that no demon attends it.”

With every next word of Dean Kira’s expression was becoming angrier and angrier. Sam, so unfortunate to witness yet another dramatic argument of these two, pretended to be deeply focused on the content of his screen. 

“Dean, you’re being ridiculous,” said Kira in a low angry voice. “This party is the best shot we have. I will not go there alone. I have a plus one invitation. And moreover, Dean, I can cast a demon tracking spell before we join the party. If it shows demon presence, we turn around and go away.”

“No,” shook his head Dean stubbornly. “It’s too dangerous. Where is the guarantee that a demon doesn’t join later? Or will you keep casting spells the whole evening? Come on, it’s not funny.”

“Then what’s your plan, Dean?” spitted Kira in annoyance. “Break into Penny’s house at night and be arrested after the alarm goes off?”

“Sam and I can manage an alarm system,” retorted Dean. 

“I know, that you can, Dean! I just fail to understand, why you need to break into someone’s house, if you can actually visit it legally.”

“And I fail to understand, why you’re so eager to die on a hunt!” screamed Dean back, stood up loudly from his chair and rushed out of the library. 

“That went well,” grumbled Kira, opened the book in front of her loudly and pretended to focus on the content of it.

***

Dean pushed the door of his bedroom angrily and stopped in the middle of the room, trying to manage the anger burning inside his chest. 

Damn it, Kira, how come you don’t get it?! All the demons of the world are looking for us out there. I can’t put you at risk. Not again. You are already in so much trouble because of me.

He sighed tiredly and looked around. His eye caught a framed picture on his desk. 

The picture. 

That he kept. 

Just like she did. 

Strangerville. It seemed now, that it had happened in another life. A happier, brighter life. 

But was it actually less dangerous there, Dean?  The Mother Plant? The infections? Was it really? Just to remind you, Dean, she was planning to investigate the Lab mystery on her own. You just happened to arrive on time.

He sighed again looking away. 

She’s a grown up woman. A psychic. A daughter of a Sage. A descendant of an angel. She’s stronger than you think. And her plan is actually the best shot that we have in getting the Cup. 

He closed his eyes letting the rest of his anger out.

Fine. 

*** Two hours later 

Kira was purposefully staring at the pages of the book in her hands, even though with her side vision she noticed Dean enter the library hall. By the rustle of paper she realised that he had put something on a table in front of her. He was glaring at her for a couple of following seconds then spoke. 

“I believe, you had no time to pack any of your fancy outfit, when we were fleeing your San Myshuno apartment,” he said. “So I dared to choose you one.”

Kira stayed motionless, staring bluntly at the pages. Dean shifted on his feet, feeling the awkwardness of the moment. 

“It’s a four-hour drive from here to Willow Creek,” he spoke again. “Tell me, when the party of your Penny starts after you try this on.”

He left the library quickly, without turning around, as if scared of Kira to respond him. As soon as his figure disappeared behind the corner Kira jumped up from the armchair and approached the table. On it two bright shopping bags were waiting for her shyly. She looked inside the bigger one and smiled. 

You do still know me perfectly, Winchester. 

[Read next: #30 Surrender]

[nancylfitness]

The Well-Stocked Kitchen

Forage in the pantry

Chow, nosh, eats, edible fare – be prepared in the case of:

unexpected guests

cannot go grocery shopping due to inclement weather

not in the mood to go ‘out-to-dinner’.

With a well-stocked kitchen and essential ingredients in the pantry, it is possible to quickly prepare delicious, nutritious cuisine in a moment’s notice.

Listed below are some ‘must have’ items that can be combined in various ways to create a satisfying and nutritious meal without having to make a trip to the store.

Pantry Basics

Basic Herbs & Spices & Seasonings

Basil

Cinnamon, ground

Garlic powder

Onion Powder

Oregano

Paprika

Parsley, dried

Pepper

Red Pepper, crushed

Rosemary

Salt

Tarragon

Thyme

Beyond Basic Herbs & Spices & Seasonings (for some added pizzazz)

Allspice

Bay Leaves

Cloves

Coriander, ground

Cumin, ground

Curry Powder

Cream of tartar

Dill

Five-spice powder

Ginger, ground

Sage

Sesame seeds

Nutmeg

Basic Dry Goods

Baking soda

Baking powder

Beans, dried: black, cannellini / navy, kidney, garbanzo, lentil

Bread, baguette & sandwich bread

Breadcrumbs

Cereal, non-sweetened breakfast

Cocoa powder, unsweetened

Cornmeal

Cornstarch

Flour, all purpose

Grains: barley, millet, bulgur, quinoa, couscous

Pasta: standard, whole grain, rice noodles, egg noodles

Nuts / Seeds: almonds, peanuts, sunflower, mixed seeds, mixed nuts

Rice: long-grain white, brown

Rolled Oats

Tortillas, whole wheat / corn

Yeast, dried

Basic Canned Goods

Broth, low sodium chicken & beef.

Beans: cannellini, navy, chickpeas, black beans

Evaporated milk

Mushrooms

Tomatoes

Tomato paste

Tuna, Salmon

Artichokes

Ham

Vegetables: Corn, Green beans

Sweeteners

Honey

Sugar, white & brown

Syrup, maple

Drinks

Club soda

Coffee

Tea

Water

V-8

Snacks

Crackers, assorted

Popcorn, kernels (for popping)

Dried fruit: raisins, apricots, cherries

Refrigerator

Butter, unsalted

Cheese: sharp cheddar, feta, parmesan, mozzarella

Eggs, large

Milk:  dairy, coconut, almond

Yogurt, plain  Greek

Produce

Avocados

Carrots

Celery

Bell peppers

Broccoli / Cauliflower

Eggplant

Leafy greens & Spinach

Lemons

Limes

Garlic

Onions, red & yellow

Parsley / Cilantro

Potatoes: sweet / yams, white / new

Scallions

Tomatoes

Zucchini

Freezer

Ground meat: beef, turkey / chicken

Chicken breasts, boneless & skinless

Vegetables: peas, chopped spinach, okra

Fish & Shellfish

Bacon, lean or Canadian Bacon

Frozen fruit: strawberries, blueberries, etc.

Gingerroot (cut in pieces, stored in plastic baggie)

Ice cream, vanilla

Pork, ground or boneless

Sausage, Italian or Turkey

Jars / Bottled Items

Clam juice

Condiments: ketchup, mayonnaise,  mustard

Jelly, jam / preserves

Non-stick spray

Oils:  olive (extra virgin), canola, sesame

Olives: green, black, calamata

Parmesan, grated

Peanut butter or other nut butter variety

Salsa

Soy / Teriyaki sauce

Tabasco hot sauce

Vanilla extract

Vinegar: distilled white, balsamic, rice wine

Wines: Marsala, Madeira, and Sherry

Worcestershire sauce

More Jars / Bottled Items

Applesauce

Capers

Hoisin Sauce

Pesto

Pumpkin Purée

Salad dressing

Look for our next cookbook.  It will feature a collection of recipes that use only the above list of pantry basics.

[adoringsentiment]

hi!! do you plan on uploading the rest of your makeover townies? I love the penny pizzazz one a lot thank you

oh hi, i'm glad you like them! I definitely plan to. I haven't uploaded a few of them yet because they're from households with a few more sims, but if I'm not mistaken my sages are already up in the gallery at adoringsentiment. if you need the tray files, let me know :)

[purplesimmer455]

That Tuesday morning, Luna heads back to her dorm for her last half of the Fall semester 🍁🍂 (in Winter, she has a week and a half off. I modeled it based on what my college does cause they give us the last half of December off and then almost all of January off)

[lemonzestywrites]

okay so i was inspired by @from-nova to write this adorable au of hers, i hope you enjoy!!

====

Buck loves this time of year. There’s a little more than a month before school starts, and he gets to clear out his entire weekend, spending it tying up the last-minute details. Ranging from finalizing his lesson plan, figuring out desk placements to his favorite: decorating his classroom.

He might be one of the few, considering most teachers only decorate their rooms once and keep it that way till they retire, but he’s not “most teachers” (and frankly, that’s more than fine with him). He loves it- and more importantly, so do his students, which is a certified win in his book. He even convinced Hen to redo her room this year, so double win.

“I don’t see why you have to reorganize every year,” Chim says, rummaging through the stacks of framed posters Buck’s currently hanging up. He had stopped by after finishing shelving a new order of books for the library that came in and offered to help. “I thought your setup last year was great.”

Buck smiles, pressing the command hooks onto the walls as firmly as he can; he really prays these things’ll hold. “As much as I appreciate the compliment, these walls have been begging for another color this year, and I intend to deliver.” Buck adored the blue theme he had last school year, but he can’t help but think that he’s going to lose it if he has to stare at it for another 9 months. Besides, he saw the cutest sage green storage shelves from IKEA a few weeks ago and figured his room could use a little more pizzazz. “Can you hand me that frame, the green one by your feet?”

Chimney looks around, fairly confused. “Which one, Buck? They’re all green.”

“The one with the white frame and lettering.”

He picks up one precariously and hands it over. When Buck gently plucks it from his hands, he seems to relax a bit. 

Buck carefully lines up the frame onto the hooks, trying a couple times before successfully hanging it onto the wall. The poster is his favorite of the bunch; sage green backing with bold white letters spelling out, ‘You are important. You are valued. You are loved.’ It was one of those things that when he saw, he knew immediately he needed to have up in his classroom.

“You really care about these kids, don’t you?”

He smiles, keeping his eyes set on straightening out the edges of the frame. “That’s the job, right?”

“Not to you,” Chimney says pointedly. He’s right- Buck would be lying if he said that wasn’t the reason he became a teacher. It’s also the reason he chose to work here at this school, cause the rest of the staff operates the same way; to them, it’s not a job. 

Buck hops down from the stepstool and takes a couple steps back, eyeing the poster. The proud joy that unfurls in his chest is one he gets every year when he does this, the feeling of knowing he’s doing some good at the end of the day. Every year he feels it, and every year it always gets better. “Not to any of us.”

“If you get me to start crying, Buckley, I swear to god.”

The smile on Buck’s face grows wide as he looks out at the expanse of his half-finished classroom, the excitement and anticipation building in his veins; he knows he’s a couple weeks away from the best part, but until then, he can’t wait. “This is gonna be a good year; I can feel it!” He treads over and picks up the remainder of the scattered posters he has yet to hang, figuring he’s all too hungry to keep going. There’s not much else to do besides minor finishing touches since he got the bulk of it done today. “I can finish the rest of it tomorrow.  Do you wanna ask Hen if she’s done setting up her room? I was thinking we could stop by that diner that just opened up near here.”

Chim pulls out his phone with a lighthearted sigh. “How long does it take you people to reorganize a classroom?”

He places the frames onto his desk carefully. “Probably about the same time it takes to restock the library.”

“Touché.” From the corner of his eyes, Buck sees Chimney’s stiffen slightly. “Okay, change of plans,” he announces, tapping at the screen rapidly before turning back to Buck.

“What?”

He waves his phone in his hands, grabbing his bag with a smile on his face. “New 3rd-grade teacher just came in. According to Hen, we have got to meet this man.”

He doesn’t leave Buck much time to ask questions before he’s heading out the door. Buck quickly grabs his messenger bag and keys, making sure to lock up his classroom before following his coworker.

They make their way down the school halls to the room number Hen texted them. They don’t get much more information other than apparently the new teacher is ‘very attractive’ (as per Hen’s words).

The school has been looking for a new teacher for the last couple of months since...well, ever since Abby left. But Buck had no clue they had already found someone to take over.

Once they turn the corner, they find Hen standing in the hallway, peering into a classroom curiously. She turns and quickly waves them over. 

“There.” Hen whispers, pointing through the window. “He just came in.”

Buck looks over to where she’s motioning to and- holy shit.

He doesn’t know what block of marble that man was carved out of but dear god, was he made with precision. His jawline is sharp even as he laughs at whatever joke Bobby must have made. The sunlight peeking through the blinds on the other side, highlighting the man’s features, isn’t helping Buck’s internal crisis either. He’s not even cocky about it either- there’s only so much Buck can gather through the other side of the glass, but the way he sits back and smiles, talking seamlessly, without any sense of pretension or arrogance in his body language is oddly frustrating. 

Chimney leans over to the two of them, eyes still glued onto the statuesque man still conversing with Bobby, the school’s vice-principal. “Now that is one handsome man.”

“Where’s the lie?” Hen responds. “And I like girls.”

Buck swallows, trying to ignore how upsettingly handsome the guy in front of them is. “What’s his name?”

“Eddie Diaz. He was looking between here and Fairmont, but Bobby convinced him otherwise.”

He wonders vaguely if they should pry themselves off the glass and go in to talk to the new guy- Eddie- before they’re spotted but in some sort of sick irony, the universe plans for exactly that. Eddie catches them out of the corner and out of the three people there, immediately locks eyes with Buck through the glass. He straightens in his chair, watching him with a kind gaze. Goddammit, even his eyes are pretty too. 

There’s a quick moment of panic that overwhelms Buck. He could only imagine how this situation must look from the other side of the glass. As he contemplates making a break for it, he sees Eddie pause and smile at him sweetly. A flash of warmth spreads across Buck’s chest, and suddenly he’s trying so desperately to remember how to breathe. Has this hallway always been this warm?

Thankfully, Eddie isn’t the only one that notices them, and Bobby, albeit a little exasperated, motions them to come in and say hi.

“I think you were right, Buck,” Chimney says with a knowing smile growing across his features. “This is going to be a great year indeed.”

[mortanko-sims]

Part 1 of master post for remade townies!

I feel like townie makeovers are easier to browse by town and family, so this is the master post for it!

I also updated some townies that I did before - now they have the same kid of CC lists and pictures, I just wanted everything to match lol

I will be including pictures from completed towns. I saw @dreamscarx doing it and I thought it was really cool, so all credits for that idea goes to her!

I will be updating this list everytime I upload a new makeover. Also, you can request a townie makeover if you'd like to see one, I will be looking into it.

Please press directly on the family you like to see their full pictures and CC lists. Btw, since there are way more new towns, it is impossible to fit all the makeovers in one post, so here is PART 2 with the rest of the towns.

Willow Creek townies:

BFF

Pancakes

Goths

Spencer - Kim - Lewis

Oasis Springs townies:

Zest

Roomies

Calientes

Landgraabs

Windenburg townies:

Behr sisters

Bjergsens

Bros

Free Spirits

Fyres

Munches

Partihaus

Villareals

San Myshuno townies:

Benali

Bheedas

Fengs

Jangs

Karaoke Legends

Lobo

Pizzazz

Rasoyas

Forgotten Hollow townies:

Straud

Vatores

Brindleton Bay townies:

Heckings

Lynx

Delgatos

Del Sol Valley townies:

Jeong

Bailey - Moon

Ward

Extras : Famous NPCs (Dirk Dreamer, Kayla Flemming, Brytani Cho, Holly Alto, Izzy Fabulous, Dustin Broke)

Strangerville townies:

Sigworths

Cahill

Roswell

Eclectic Arts

Extras : Erwin Pries

Sulani townies:

Kahananui

Ngata

Hoapili

Kealoha

Extras : NPC mermaids (Kalamainu'u Iona, Nalani Mahi'ai, Paka'a Uha, Ukupanipo Hekekia)

Glimmerbrook townies:

Charms

Amicable Acolytes

Extras : Sages

--------———

@mmoutfitters @maxismatchccworld @maxismatch @maxismatch4sims